Put Your Heart into ValentineÂ?s Day this Year

Candy hearts, roses, chocolates?

Candy hearts, roses, chocolates?

Candy hearts, roses, chocolates? ThereÂ?s got to be a more creative way to tell your honey that theyÂ?re the only one this ValentineÂ?s Day and without emptying your bank account.

Instead of dinner at an expensive restaurant or a night on the town, why not create your own romantic getaway in the comfort of your own home.

Alma Yoss, a New Hampshire-based interior designer, who teaches in the Interior Design program at The New England Institute of Art, says you donÂ?t have to be an expert to create a romantic setting for the evening.

First, Â?to create intimacy, choose a smaller area for your romantic dinner. The large formal dining room is out. Try the living room, in front of, or near a fire place,Â? says Yoss. Lighting is an important factor. Â?First, darken the space to create an intimate feeling, then add candlelight and use inexpensive floor cans to light the surrounding areas.Â?

For more drama, she adds, Â?Place the lights behind some tall plants to cast shadows on the walls to help set the mood. Then use a small fan to give movement to the leaves and the shadows.Â? Fragrant flowers will add to the ambiance.

Just before dinner, youÂ?re going to want to have a special ValentineÂ?s Day card ready. Michael Goldberg, the Assistant Chair of the Graphic Design department at The New England Institute of Art suggests using your computer to create one that is unique and original.

Â?The best approach is a design layout that is simple and elegant. First, find the appropriate type face. The best type face will help reinforce and express your feelings,Â? he says. Second, Â?look for imagery that visually describes how you feel. You could use a rose, a nice poem, a picture of the person or a combination of these elements.Â? Goldberg adds, Â?a good way to begin your concept would be to go to your local greeting card store and look at the variety of card design layouts to help your idea process. Finally, the design should be a sincere representation of your message. Â?

Once youÂ?ve presented your sentiments on paper, then itÂ?s time for a dinner Â?that should be flavorful, but doesnÂ?t need to be elaborate,Â? says Yoss. Â?Cooking should be completed prior to the dinner so that each course can be delivered without any down time.Â? And always end on a sweet note. Â?The dessert should be complemented by good coffee. Add an after dinner cordial with a good bouquet and sip it slowly while relaxing in front of the fireplace on soft pillows.Â?

And be sure to include a soundtrack, says John Krivit, an Audio Production instructor at The New England Institute of Art. "Music can be an important element when setting a romantic mood.Â? He suggests programming an eveningÂ?s music on your MP3 player, picking up an adapter that allows you to plug in another set of earbuds for your valentine. Â?Then just snuggle up and listen together.Â?

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.